What is Matariki?
Imagine a special cluster of stars high up in the sky that looks like a little "sparkly smudge." That is Matariki!
In New Zealand, when those stars pop up in the early morning during the middle of winter, it means the Māori New Year has started.
In 2026, the Matariki public holiday will be observed on Friday, July 10.
How do people celebrate Matariki?
Since Matariki is a time for family and celebration, there are lots of fun and cozy things to do! Even though it’s cold and wintry outside, Matariki makes everything feel warm and bright.
Here is what people do to celebrate:
Food is a huge part of Matariki! Families get together for a big dinner. Because it's the "New Year," people cook yummy things like sweet potatoes (kumara), pumpkin, and warm bread. It’s all about sharing and making sure everyone has a full tummy.
There is one special star called Hiwa-i-te-rangi. Children (and grown-ups too!) look for this star and make a wish for something they want to happen in the new year. It’s like blowing out birthday candles, but with a star in the sky!
Since the nights are long and cold, it’s the perfect time to sit under a warm blanket and listen to stories. Grandparents often tell stories about their own lives or old legends about the stars and the land.
Have you ever seen a kite fly really, really high? During Matariki, people fly kites because they believe the kites can reach up and almost touch the stars. It’s a way of sending a message to the heavens.
To stay warm and to remember people we love, many families light candles or have a small bonfire. It makes the dark winter night look beautiful and sparkly, just like the stars.
There is a lot of singing! People practice Waiata (songs) and perform dances to celebrate that the sun is slowly starting to come back and the days will eventually get longer.